Dorothy Elizabeth (Kraska) St. Germain

Our loving Dorothy slipped away into her angel’s wings on May 5, 2019 at the age of 63 years at home and in the comforting presence of her entire family. For almost exactly one year after being diagnosed with two cancers, she gracefully endured many trials with little complaint and the constant support of her husband, family and friends. After several days in hospital, this powerful spirit decided it was time to be home with her family and shortly after she passed peacefully in their loving arms. Dorothy was a pillar of her family and will be forever remembered by her adoring husband Brian; son Sean (Megan Raposo); son Mark; and daughter Brianna (Josh Oliver). She is also survived by her father Janek “John” Kraska and mother Jadviga “Jane”; siblings Teresa Turner (Keith) who will especially miss tropical vacations with her beloved sister, Richard (Melanie) and Caroline Bomford (Pat). She was predeceased by her beloved nephew Andrew and Brian’s mother Rose and father Marcel. Dorothy will be sadly missed by Matthew, Bradley, Elizabeth, Ryan, Melissa, Dan, Curtis, Dylan, Nicole, Quinton, Kynlee, Kalia, Natalie, Landon, Nora, Julia, and James. She is also survived by Randy St. Germain (Carrie), Elise, Ken St. Germain (Karl), Daryl Turcotte (Terry). Dorothy was born and raised in Calgary’s Polish community. She met Brian at the Polish Combatants Hall when she was just 16, they were married two years later and danced away the next 45 years. Her education included grade 9 Toronto Conservatory culminating with her BEd in 1980 with a music minor. She earned her teaching certificate and then took time off to raise 3 children and see them safely off to school. She taught at Holy Cross, St. Rupert, St. Jude, Assumption and finally St. Cyril until she retired in 2017. During her career she sang with the Calgary Catholic Teacher’s Choir highlighted by Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. She conducted many student choirs in Kiwanis festivals, “Skate and Sing”, and a multitude of school celebrations. She volunteered with “Evenings for the Engaged”, owned a small business, taught Sunday school, and was an active member of the CWL and OCIA. Dorothy and Brian were elf and Santa for over 25 years with “The Magic of Christmas” and recruited many to the Christmas cause. Dorothy was known to be strong in her Catholic faith as evidenced by over 30 years a parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish and her fierce love of family, tradition and community. Dorothy left a little sparkle wherever she went! In her honour, the family will be wearing bling and welcomes others to do the same. Prayer Services will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, (10827 24 Street S.W.), on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Ignatius Tran as Celebrant. Burial to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. If desired, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation, (4302 50 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A3).